The Football Association of Wales delivered another chapter in Welsh football history this November, as Newport City stunned Blaenavon Blues 2-0 in the JD Welsh Cup Round One, sealing their place in the last 32. The match, played on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Rodney Parade, wasn’t just another cup tie—it was the latest twist in the 140th edition of the oldest national cup competition in Wales, and one of the oldest in the world. With the rain drumming on the stands and the crowd buzzing, Newport’s late goal by midfielder Liam Morgan sent the home fans into delirium. The result sent Blaenavon Blues, who had stormed through the earlier rounds, crashing out just shy of the quarterfinals.
The Road to Round One
The JD Welsh Cup began its journey in the summer of 2025 with the First Qualifying Round, a sprawling, regionalized battle involving over 200 lower-league clubs. The draw split teams into Northern and Southern sections—a structure that’s held since 2018 to reduce travel and boost local rivalries. By the end of that first round, 114 teams emerged victorious, setting the stage for the Second Qualifying Round on August 22–23, 2025. That weekend saw everything from high-scoring thrillers like Afan United’s 6-4 win over Sifil AFC to tense penalty shootouts, including Garden Village’s 4-2 triumph over Royal Stars SC after a 0-0 draw.Then came the First Round draw on August 28, 2025, which merged those 57 Second Qualifying Round winners with 17 Tier 2 clubs from the previous season. It was here that the competition truly began to feel like a proper cup run. Clubs like Canton, Caerphilly Athletic, and Blaenavon—all from the South—started to build momentum. Meanwhile, in the North, Nefyn United and Cefn Albion quietly carved their paths through the foggy pitches of Gwynedd and Denbighshire.
October and November: The Heat Turns Up
By October, the competition had narrowed to 74 teams. The weekend of October 25, 2025, gave us one of the most talked-about results of the season: Blaenavon Blues crushed Pontyclun 4-0, announcing themselves as serious contenders. Their attacking trio—Josh Williams, Kieran Price, and captain Rhys Morgan—had netted 11 goals in their last three games. Fans in the Valleys were already dreaming of a final at Cardiff City Stadium.But football doesn’t care about dreams. On November 23, Newport City, a side that had spent much of the season flirting with relegation in the Cymru South, played with the desperation of underdogs who knew this was their shot. Two goals in the final 12 minutes—first a header from defender Ellis Price, then a curling free-kick from Morgan—turned what looked like a tense stalemate into a statement win. Blaenavon Blues, who had won 11 of their last 12 matches, looked shell-shocked. Their manager, Steve Davies, told reporters afterward: “We didn’t deserve to lose. But they took their chances. That’s what cup football is.”
Why This Matters
The JD Welsh Cup isn’t just about silverware. It’s the last great equalizer in Welsh football. A club from a village of 5,000 people—like Blaenavon Blues—can, in theory, knock out a professional team from the top tier. Last season, Bala Town, a Tier 2 side, reached the final. This year, with 17 Tier 2 clubs still in the mix, the potential for another giant-killing remains very real.And it’s not just about the clubs. The Football Association of Wales relies on this tournament to fund grassroots development. Revenue from ticket sales, broadcast rights, and sponsorship from JD Sports Fashion PLC flows directly into youth academies, floodlight upgrades, and coaching programs in rural communities. That’s why even the smallest clubs—like Lliswerry or Cefn Albion—treat this cup like the FA Cup does in England.
What’s Next?
The next round, scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025, will pit Newport City against either Cwmbran Celtic or Rhostyllen. Both are tough, physical sides with strong home support. The winner will face either Bala Town or Connah’s Quay Nomads in the quarterfinals—two of the most consistent teams in the Cymru Premier.And while the final won’t be until May 2026, the buzz is already building. The FAW has confirmed that the final will be held at the Cardiff City Stadium, with a record crowd expected. For clubs like Blaenavon Blues, it’s a bitter end. For Newport City, it’s the beginning of something they’ll talk about for decades.
Background: A Competition Older Than Most Nations
Established in the 1877–78 season, the Welsh Cup predates the formation of the modern Welsh state. It began as a regional challenge between clubs in Merthyr, Wrexham, and Bangor, with the first final held at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham. Only England’s FA Cup (1871) and Scotland’s Scottish Cup (1873) are older. For over 140 years, it’s survived wars, economic collapse, and the rise of the Premier League. And yet, it endures—not because of money, but because of meaning.This year’s tournament has already seen 114 matches played across 22 counties. Over 30,000 fans have attended. More than 1,000 volunteers—from pitch inspectors to scorekeepers—have given their time. That’s the real legacy. Not the trophy. Not the sponsor. But the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the JD Welsh Cup structure work with Northern and Southern sections?
The Football Association of Wales divides the competition into Northern and Southern sections from the First Qualifying Round through to Round One to minimize travel for lower-league clubs. Teams only face opponents from their region until the Round One stage, when the two sections merge. This ensures fairness and logistical feasibility for clubs with limited budgets. The structure has been in place since 2018 and has increased participation by over 22% in Tier 3 and 4 leagues.
Why is Blaenavon Blues considered a strong team despite being from a small town?
Blaenavon Blues, based in a former industrial town of just 8,000 residents, has become a cup powerhouse due to intense local support and a disciplined, physical style of play. Their home ground, The Athletic Ground, holds 2,500 and is often sold out. The club’s academy has produced six players who’ve gone on to sign professional contracts, including current Cymru Premier starter Owen Lewis. They’ve reached the Welsh Cup semifinals twice since 2015.
What role does JD Sports play in the Welsh Cup?
JD Sports Fashion PLC, the UK-based retailer headquartered in Middleton, has been the title sponsor since 2016. Their funding provides £1.2 million annually to the FAW, which is distributed as prize money and grassroots grants. Each club eliminated before Round One receives £500; those reaching Round One get £2,500. That money often buys new kits, repairs pitches, or funds youth coaching. Without JD’s support, many small clubs couldn’t afford to compete.
How many Tier 2 clubs made it to Round One this season?
Seventeen Tier 2 clubs entered the competition directly into the First Round, bypassing the early qualifying rounds. These are teams from the Cymru South and Cymru North leagues that finished in the bottom half of the 2024–25 season. Their inclusion keeps the competition open and gives lower-tier clubs a realistic shot at facing top-flight opposition. This year, six of them reached the Round One stage, with Newport City being the only one to advance past it.
When was the last time a Tier 2 club won the Welsh Cup?
The last Tier 2 club to win the Welsh Cup was Bala Town in 2017–18. They defeated The New Saints 3–2 in extra time at the Cardiff City Stadium. Bala Town were then competing in Cymru North (Tier 2) and had only been promoted to the top flight two years earlier. Their victory remains one of the most iconic underdog stories in Welsh football history and is still celebrated in the town’s pub walls and school textbooks.
What’s the significance of the 140th edition of the Welsh Cup?
Reaching its 140th edition, the Welsh Cup is the third-oldest national football competition in the world. Only England’s FA Cup (1871) and Scotland’s Scottish Cup (1873) are older. Its longevity reflects Wales’s deep-rooted football culture, especially in industrial valleys where clubs were founded by miners and ironworkers. Despite the rise of the Premier League, the Welsh Cup remains a symbol of local pride—more than 80% of matches are still attended by fans who’ve supported their clubs for generations.
Write a comment